On the evening of 9 May 2008 a gala concert was held in the BiH Institutions Building gathering representatives of local authorities, international community, NGOs, religious and cultural associations and the media. The concert was organised as a central ceremony of the Europe Day and was hosted by Ambassador Dimitris Kourkoulas, Head of Delegation of the European Commission to BiH and Dr. Nikola Špirić, Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers.
In his welcoming speech, Ambassador Dimitris Kourkoulas said: “…Bosnia and Herzegovina is only weeks away from the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU. This will be the first contractual agreement between BiH and the EU and the first real step in the integration process, the process in which there are no shortcuts. The progress will depend on the political wisdom of policy makers and the general will of the BiH society to promote European values. Therefore, progress will only be achieved through action by Bosnia and Herzegovina – by its parliament, by its government, by its political leaders. Equally importantly, the progress will depend on the actions of civil society, the media, the business community, the youth, academia and society as a whole… Reforms must be made, hard decisions must be taken, and commitments must be honoured.” Ambassador Kourkoulas also pointed out: “But ultimately, these reforms are not needed to satisfy the European Union. They are needed for the benefit of your country and your own citizens.”
Dr. Nikola Špirić welcomed the honoured guests and stressed out in his speech: “Bosnia and Herzegovina can learn a lot from the process of the European binding. Conflicts within Europe had been replaced by discussions; dominancy of the individuals replaced with the equality of all, imposing of the decisions had been replaced by compromise. These are the lessons which we have to apply and I am convinced that if we apply those Bosnia and Herzegovina will enter Europe much faster than many think.” Dr. Špirić also added: “…it is necessary to double our efforts aimed at fulfilling conditions for full membership in the European Union. And these efforts could be doubled only if we choose dialogue and compromise, if we learn to listen and respect each other as the member states of the European Union do. …for progress [of Bosnia and Herzegovina] in the first place it is necessary to have patience, build internal trust and equality of all its citizens. And we will be dedicated to this.”
In front of an audience of more than 400 invitees, Youth Symphony Orchestra of South Eastern Europe (YSOSEE) performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 – “Eroica”. YSOSEE brings together young musicians from the whole region.
Live broadcast on the nation-wide public broadcasters, BHT1 and BH Radio 1 gave an opportunity to all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to enjoy the concert.
Celebration of Europe Day throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Delegation of the European Commission to Bosnia and Herzegovina has been celebrating 9 May – Europe Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1997, marking the anniversary of the declaration made in 1950 by the then French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, which has led to the creation of the European Union of today.
In addition to the Gala Concert, a number of sport and cultural activities organised by the Delegation with assistance of its Euro Info Centres and non-governmental sector took place throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The two finales coincided with the Europe Day celebration, the EU quiz and the Street ball Challenge, which included high-school students from a number of BiH cities. The winners of both events have been awarded a study trip to Brussels.
